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Published: March 7th 2011
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I've been in Juneau for about three days now and so much has happened that I decided to split my spring break trip into two blogs. Well the last time I wrote, I was in the Detroit airport just getting ready to take off. During the whole trip out here, I kept thinking about my committee meeting and the sturgeon and what I was going to do to just make everything work. But a nice lady next to me kind of cheered me up as she told me all about how her little boy loves sharks and wants to be a marine biologist and if I could recommend any good books. I told her all about Ray Troll 😊 And then when we were flying down into Seattle, I looked out the window, saw the mountains, and just smiled because I was returning home -- the West. The mountains...the snow-capped peaks...the cloudy gray skies...it was all there out the window! And to your average person, this may not seem like a momentous occasion, but it was amazing to me! 😊
We landed at Sea-tac at "S" gate and the frequent visitor in me instantly knew that meant a bunch of
train rides so off I headed downstairs. Eventually, I ended up at the "D" gate and not too far from the Alaskan Lounge with just enough time to spare a quick meal. I called the parents (to tell them I was waving out the window as we flew over Idaho) then hit the Lounge where I've always wanted to go but never have. I got a nice big glass of Pale Ale 😊 After a cup of chowder and a caesar salad, I headed back to my gate and found they were already boarding. As I boarded the plane, I ran into none other than John Pugh, the Chancellor of UAS. And since I was feeling that Pale Ale a little, I approached him and said nice to see you again, I'm a UAS graduate. And shockingly, he said, "Kari Dammerman, I remember you. Good to see you. Glad to see you're coming back for a visit." It was awesome! 😊 Such a nice guy and made me feel right at home!
Amazingly, we took off on time to and briefly landed in Ketchikan before leaving early and ending up 20 minutes early in Juneau. Right as I stepped
off the plane, I got greeted by Margie who worked out at the university near TRiO and whom one of my friends lives with. She welcomed me home and was actually waiting for someone too and said my welcoming party was a little late because they didn't know I was coming in early. Nevertheless, they all arrived and it was awesome to get so many hugs 😊 I didn't realize how much I missed a nice big hug from a really good friend. Then I headed off to Lisa's and spent a few hours talking before passing out. The next day, I did some work in the morning, met Lisa's coworkers, then ran into Carolyn out at the university who gave me a nice hug and wanted to know about grad school. Then I had lunch with my good friends in the cafeteria and was just happy to be back. Then came the nice trip out the road with a friend and we watched in awe as the wind produced huge swells and gorgeous green/blue water. No whales yet though but I'm determined to see one before I leave again and spend some time tide-pooling at the Shrine! 😊
We returned to Auke Bay and I briefly drove out to see the Glacier. It just kind of breaks your heart to see how much it has receded. Jeff Brown, whom I met during a radio stint with Emily Wall promoting Tidal Echoes, was interviewing some UAS people about the Glacier on the radio. They were describing how they measure it and that it receded 540 feet last year! I just can't believe how much rock is exposed on the right side now. It's kind of sad. Well then I met up with my friend at Subway (he loves it!!) and we headed to Fred's for some quick shopping. Then off to go get Lisa from work before getting all primped for the night. I headed out to housing to spend some time with my girls and had a blast getting to know Jasmin's new roommate, making pizza, pre-gaming, taking random pictures in the laundry-room, and then snapping some shots with the infamous whales in the courtyard before we met up with Les and headed downtown. A fun night of dancing before hitting up Pel'Meni to end the night. I ended up staying out at university housing and getting a
nice few gifts from Jas before totally passing out on her from utter exhaustion.
The next day was a mellow one which was kind of nice. I spent most of the afternoon with Jasmin and didn't realize how much I really missed her. It's very easy to talk to her and laugh and joke and is just...simple. I don't even feel like I've been away for 7 months. 😊 So we talked about a bunch of stuff and cleared stuff up from last summer and talked about what our future plans were. Her life is going to change in some exciting ways too and I couldn't be more happy for her as she heads off on so many adventures. And I'm glad to still call her a friend! 😊 We even continued our tradition of breakfast/lunch at Donna's and then headed to Fred's to get gifts for...oddly enough...my ex who is going to be a daddy soon. We had talked a few weeks ago and he told me was going to be a dad, but he's now overseas since the military called him back up. I'm really happy for him and since we're still friends, Jas as I put
together some stuff for him including a very cute, intimate inside joke from the two of us from the first night I got involved with him 😊 Then sadly, I said goodbye to Jas as she's having her own spring break adventure with her best friend and god-daugher! 😊
And today was another gorgeous day in Juneau -- sunny blue skies, good company, and lots of time outside. After a nice breakfast and cup of coffee, Les stopped by and we all headed to the gun range where I shot a hand-gun for the first time. The step-dad would be proud as I hit a target 100 yards away with a 270 rifle. I also shot a revolver, 22 rifle, and a 9mm before we headed to lunch...Yummy halibut at the Sandbar! Then headed up to Eaglecrest to watch the High Gravity Games. We saw some interesting stuff during the relay races and the MC was pretty awesome as we watched the Keg toss. Then it was off to buy groceries as tomorrow, we're heading to the mountains! 😊 My plan for this spring break is to spend as much time outside as possible. So far, I'm doing well!
...fade
Not sure I'm so good with this one... Well, better get packing! Looking forward to a nice long hike tomorrow and I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of this gorgeous place...Alaska! =)
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roberta
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I have pictures with the whale too....just so tempting
Be careful with the whale. I've heard the Outdoors students poo on it. First year, one of my many roomies said he witnessed it...